BAE Systems employees show their support for armed forces day

Employees at BAE Systems in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have celebrated the contribution made by the UK military by hosting a series of events ahead of this year’s Armed Forces Day on 27 June.

At Portsmouth Naval Base, Armed Forces Reserves, Full Time Reserve Service and Veteran personnel were VIP guests at a reception in recognition of the vital support they provide to the UK military.

Employees from the Company’s Portsmouth and Isle of Wight sites showed their support by pulling together to raise close to £1500 for three armed forces charities - the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Hounds for Heroes and the SSAFA Retirement Home in Ryde on the Isle of Wight - who all provide support to past and present armed forces personnel.

Ian Hawkes, Managing Director at BAE Systems Maritime Services, said: “Armed Forces Day provides a great opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution of our military and reservists. Seeing our employees pull together to support such an important day is very rewarding.

“Several of our employees are reservists themselves and I am incredibly proud that we can support them to carry out these additional duties alongside their roles at BAE Systems.”

The events were part of a national week-long celebration of the significant contribution made by Britain’s military in the lead up to Armed Forces Day – an annual event that sees the nation recognise the efforts of all those involved in the UK military, including serving troops, reservists, service families, veterans and cadets.

Each year, employees at the Company’s sites around the country participate in numerous activities in support of the Armed Forces. On Wednesday 24 June, reservists employed by BAE Systems are encouraged to wear their uniform to work to show their support for UK military personnel, and build excitement ahead of Armed Forces Day.

One of the founder signatories to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant – a key government pledge to ensure that Armed Forces personnel are not disadvantaged by their service – BAE Systems recently strengthened its commitments to support through a range of publicised assurances to promote the fact that the Company is an Armed Forces friendly organisation.

These commitments include supporting employees who are active members of the reserves or cadet forces; the hosting of reserves recruiting teams; providing employment opportunities for service leavers; providing support to the spouses and partners of service personnel and encouraging employees to volunteer; and raise funds for Armed Forces charities.

Each year, the Company gives more than £4m in donations and sponsorships to Armed Forces charities, events and heritage activities.